11. July 2010 by John Schinnerer.

I just had my coaches meeting for the new soccer season starting up here in Danville CA for Mustang Soccer League. I’m excited for the season to begin. I’ll be head coach for one of my sons and asst. coach for the other son’s team.

In that context, I was thrilled to see the following article on ScienceDaily just now…

‘Mathematical Formula Predicts Clear Favorite for the FIFA World Cup

ScienceDaily (July 9, 2010) — A sophisticated new analysis of team tactics predicts a Spanish win in Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final and also shows why England were beaten by Germany.

Mathematicians and football supporters Dr Javier López Peña and Dr Hugo Touchette from Queen Mary, University of London have collected ball passing data from all of the FIFA World Cup games and analysed it to reveal the nations’ different styles of play.

Using the mathematical technique called Graph Theory, they have revealed the gaping holes in England’s tactics against Germany game and made predictions about the Netherlands-Spain final that could rival the psychic octopus.

For each national side, Drs López Peña and Touchette have drawn up a ‘network’ of passes between players throughout the tournament and analysed how these networks compare between teams. Dr Touchette explains: “Each player in the network is given a score called centrality which measures how vital they are to the network. The higher the centrality score, the bigger the impact if that player wasn’t there. This method is most commonly used to make computer networks more robust, but it can also be used to plan football strategy.”
Graph Theory is used to analyse different types of networks, most commonly to investigate computer networks — such as the internet — and to model what would happen if different parts of the networks were suddenly removed. This type of research, which takes place in Queen Mary’s School of Mathematical Sciences, can make for example computer networks more robust and less susceptible to disruption.

The Netherlands-Spain prediction

The networks reveal Spanish players have made a strikingly high number of passes this tournament, almost 40 per cent more than Germany and twice as many as the Dutch. “The team relies on swift passes that are well distributed among all players, especially between those playing mid-field,” said Dr López Peña.

David Villa, the tournament’s highest goal scorer, has received an average of 37 passes per game, more than any other forward from all the teams. Dr López Peña said: “Villa’s performance has been impressive compared with Fernando Torres, who has not scored any goals this tournament. This was reflected in the successful Spanish tactics, with Torres only receiving an average of 13 passes per match, and 37 to Villa.”

Conversely, the Dutch gameplay is clearly offensive, involving a very low number of passes between players, most of which are aimed at the strikers. Dr López Peña said: “The low number of passes shows the Dutch prefer quick attacks and counterstrikes rather than intricate playing. Their goals are often scored from set pieces such as free kicks and they use their physical presence to beat their opponents.”
The England-Germany match

The analysis shows the English squad to have a balanced line-up with no single player more important than the team as a whole. Dr López Peña said: “The good midfield work of Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Gareth Barry doesn’t appear to transfer very well to the forwards, with Wayne Rooney receiving on average three times more passes than Jermain Defoe. This makes the English attack very predictable and easily stoppable by blocking Rooney, who is usually forced to give the ball back to Gerrard.”

The German network appears even more balanced than the English one, with a higher number of passes, suggesting more circulation of the ball. “Particularly relevant are the passes between Philipp Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger and most of the German attacks are built up from the defenders. Mesut Oezil makes good work connecting both sides of the field on the attack, making the German offensive game very effective and hard to defend against. The key player in the German strategy remains Schweinsteiger, who was effectively blocked by the Spanish midfielders’ characteristic fast circulation in their semi-final defeat,” said Dr López Peña.’

For full article, click here.

Enjoy the game (and the upcoming youth season)!

Cheers,

John Schinnerer PhD

PS Check out my new free video series on Anger Management for Fed Up Fathers on YouTube or at http://drjohnsblog.wordpress.com.

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8. July 2010 by John Schinnerer.

How to Use the Latest in Sports Psychology to Improve Your Soccer Game
John Schinnerer, Ph.D.
Guide To Self, Inc.

A varsity soccer player heads the ball into the goal to put his team ahead by one. With more than 20 minutes to play, players on the team that is behind start to hang their heads. Their body language, slumped shoulders, a slow walk, and frustrated, angry expressions convey their temporary lack of resiliency. The speed with which they can bounce back from this setback holds the key to their success. Do they give in to their disappointment, let it turn to resignation, and ever-so-slightly decrease their efforts? Or do they use their anger to stoke the fires of competition and redouble their efforts to score and tie the game?

Psychology is beginning to unravel some of the mysteries around sports performance in general and around soccer in particular. In the excitement of the World Cup this year and the upcoming finals game between Spain or Germany and the Dutch, this article discusses three recent findings in sports psychology and how they can be best applied to coaching the beautiful game - soccer.

Focus On Playing to Potential. Take Focus Off of ‘Winning’

Players who make predictions about who will win the upcoming game enjoy the game less than those who do not. By predicting the outcome of the game, it creates the possibility of being incorrect and thus leads to the anticipation of regret. This anticipation of being wrong puts more pressure on the player to perform. As we know, too much pressure can push a player out of the zone (where performance is maximized) and into a subpar performance.

A better approach is that of nonattachment where players do not get overly attached to the idea of winning or losing. Soccer players can control one thing – their own play. By focusing the team on playing to their best individual and team potential, and decreasing focus on winning, the team plays more relaxed, more effective soccer.
Understand Your Players Mindset for Better Penalty Kicks
 
Another finding shows that some individuals look for potential gains in general and on the soccer field. Other people spend their efforts attempting to thwart negative outcomes. So one group looks to maximize gains, while the other group looks to minimize losses. Soccer coaches can identify this tendency in individual players and use it to fulfill their players’ potential. For example, when preparing players for penalty shootouts, coaches can talk to players who look to maximize gains (usually the forwards and some midfielders) and tell them to focus on scoring. On the other hand, coaches can prep those who seek to minimize losses (usually the fullbacks) by telling them to focus on not missing the shot. These are individualized messages that can run through the shooter’s head while preparing to take the PK which will increase the probability of success during the shootout.

 Use Mirror Neurons to Your Advantage

Soccer players become better simply by watching world class players. There is a ‘mirror system’ in the human brain which responds to actions we watch, such as Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a goal with a heel kick or performing a scissor move. This system in the brain has been shown in brain scan studies to activate when the individual is viewing a sport or activity in which they participate. However, the mirror system does not activate for a dancer watching a soccer player. The mirror system only activates for individuals who have been trained in the particular sport being viewed. We have known for over 50 years that visualization is helpful in improving sports performance (beginning with slalom skiing back in the 1950’s). Science is just discovering that the brain also learns by observing experts. Although no muscle movement takes place in the observer, the brain acts as if the body is replicating the movements being made while watching Ronaldo or Lionel Messi or David Villa. The same pattern of neurons fire when watching Ronaldo perform a bicycle kick as when the player him- or herself does a bicycle kick. The possibility exists that players can hone their skills during injuries by watching professional soccer games, highlights on YouTube of favorite players and attending live games.

There are a number of things that psychology can add to sport in general and soccer in particular. Try incorporating some of these suggestions in your play or coaching and see what results come. Above all, have fun. Soccer is first and foremost a game!

Remember - keep the passion alive for the players!

Best,

John Schinnerer, Ph.D.

Positive psychology coach

P.S.   I’m kicking off the launch of my new video blog at drjohnsblog.wordpress.com to teach men emotional management skills in the comfort of their own home. And to make the announcement more exciting, I’m giving away a FREE copy of my award-winning self-help book Guide To Self: The Beginner’s Guide To Managing Emotion and Thought.

It’s all about how to quiet the voices in your head, turn down the volume on negative emotions and turn up the volume on positive emotions and happiness, click here for instant access!

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1. July 2010 by John Schinnerer.

I’m kicking off the launch of my new video blog at drjohnsblog.wordpress.com. And to make the announcement fun for all, I thought I’d offer a FREE copy of my book Guide To Self: The Beginner’s Guide To Managing Emotion and Thought.

It’s all about how to quiet the voices in your head, turn down the volume on negative emotions and turn up the volume on positive emotions, click here for instant access!

So if you want a free PDF version of some of the latest proven tools to manage your mind, the latest methods to increase your happiness via positive psychology, the greatest tips to manage your anger, check it out! Click here for a fantastic freebie!

Enjoy!

John

Posted in National speakers, Neuropsychology, Emotion & learning, Danville CA, Psychological Humor - Jokes, Emotion & productivity, ADHD, Science of love, Mindfulness, Resiliency, Assertiveness, Hope, Curiosity, Unsconscious mind, Meaning-making, Self-motivation, Psychoneuroimmunology, Men's feelings, Real Men Real Emotion, Self-improvement book, Self-help book, De-escalating anger, Well-being, Emotion & Athletics, Optimal Human Functioning, Self-compassion, Awe & Elevation, San Francisco Bay Area, Relationships, The human brain, Anxiety, Emotional IQ, Staying calm, Social anxiety disorder, Social phobia, Nervousness, Life coach, Creativity, Forgiveness, Positive Psychology, Realistic optimism, Managing stress, Dr. John Schinnerer, Tips to help anxiety, Happiness, Dealing with loss, Anger Management, Managing Sadness, Subconscious mind, Men's emotions, Alexithymia, Managing Anxiety, Emotional management, Depression, Guide To Self Beginners Guide To Managing Emotion, Parenting, Rational mind, Emotional mind, Counseling | Print | No Comments »

23. June 2010 by John Schinnerer.

I’m creating a new training program on the top proven tools for men to

 a) turn down the volume on negative emotions (for example irritability, anxiety, stress, sadness)

 b) turn up the volume on positive emotions (for example happiness, relaxation, calm, love, pride, and passion)

And I’d like to ask a favor:

Can you watch this new training video and tell me what you think of these “Top 3 Ways to Instantly Increase Happiness for Men”:

http://drjohnsblog.wordpress.com/2010/06/17/teaching-real-men-real-emotion-to-achieve-real-potential/

Before the world see this, you get first look. It’s about my story and 5 advanced strategies I used as a father of four, businessman and Ph.D. in psychology to manage my own anger, anxiety and stress.

Just post a comment on the blog and let me know what you think. You’ll love the advanced strategies (I’ve never shared them on video before).

Anyone can learn these strategies to increase their happiness, satisfaction with life, and improve the quality of their relationships. That’s my belief and I’ve proven it myself and with many, many clients.

I’d like to teach you to do the same.
So just go to this site and ask any questions on my blog. I’ll personally reply to as many questions as I can and I’ll create some more training videos for answering some of the common questions.

http://drjohnsblog.wordpress.com/2010/06/17/teaching-real-men-real-emotion-to-achieve-real-potential/

Thank you for your help. I truly appreciate it.

In friendship,

John
Founder, Guide To Self
Author, Guide To Self: The Beginner’s Guide To Managing Emotion and Thought

P.S. You can also get access to an inspiring article called “Best Ways to Rediscover Your Purpose and Happiness.”

http://drjohnsblog.wordpress.com/2010/06/17/teaching-real-men-real-emotion-to-achieve-real-potential/

Posted in Emotion & productivity, Executive coach, Danville CA, Hope, Men's emotions, Resiliency, Optimal Human Functioning, Emotion & Athletics, Men's feelings, Real Men Real Emotion, Executive leadership, De-escalating anger, Well-being, Gender differences, Managing Sadness, Anger Management, Guide to Self, Emotional IQ, Dr. John Schinnerer, Managing stress, Positive Psychology, Business & psych, Anxiety, Tips to help anxiety, Emotional management, Managing Anxiety, Depression, Guide To Self Beginners Guide To Managing Emotion, Happiness, Sports Psychology | Print | No Comments »

12. May 2010 by John Schinnerer.

Cool news! I was just included in a continuing education series on positive psychology with Dr. Jonathan Haidt, Dr. John Drimmer, Dr. James Pawelski, Dr. Dacher Keltner, and Dr. Judy Saltzberg. I’m flattered and honored. This is a series of radio interviews done by Dr. David Van Nuys, professor emeritus from Sonoma State University. Here is the description…

GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION

Mental health professionals have traditionally devoted themselves to the treatment of unhappiness in all its many forms. We’ve been good at developing models of psychopathology but we also need to have a clear model of the healthy human psyche. In his 1998 APA presidential address, Martin P. Seligman, an eminent University of Pennsylvania psychology professor, announced that he was founding a new science of “positive psychology.” According to Seligman, psychology had too long focused on the negative side of human nature and it was time to rigorously study the positive. Of course, humanistic psychologists (e.g., Maslow, Rogers, Tillich, Frankel, Bugental, and others) had done pioneering work along these same lines at least 40 years earlier. However, Seligman was calling for a more rigorous, empirical approach than he felt had previously existed. He was able to jump start the field with a $100,000 prize from the John Templeton Foundation for the best research project in this new area by a young researcher. Positive Psychology. At this point, there have already been more than 64,000 research studies on Positive Psychology. This foundational work has important implications for psychotherapists of every stripe.

This course consists of eight interviews with Positive Psychology luminaries conducted by David Van Nuys, Ph.D. Each interview will add to your understanding of the field and its clinical implications. 5 of the 8 interviews are also accompanied with full transcripts of the interview. The first interview features Dr. James Pawelski, who heads up the first positive psychology graduate program in the country, housed at the University of Pennsylvania, under the guidance of Dr. Seligman. The second interview is with Dr. Judy Saltzberg, who is a graduate of that program and now an instructor in it and focuses on clinical applications. The third interview, with Dr. John Drimmer, explores how one psychologist shifted his work to become a practitioner of positive psychology. The fourth interview with psychologist, Dr. Sylvia Boorstein, focuses on mindfulness and compassion as key components of happiness. The fifth interview is with Dr. Jonathan Haidt, psychology professor, TED.com presenter, and a key figure in the Positive Psychology movement. The sixth interview, with Dr. Cathy Greenberg, hones in on positive psychology and happiness, particularly as they apply to women’s issues. The seventh interview is with Cal Berkeley professor, Dr. Dacher Keltner, and focuses on his research on happiness and health. Finally, Dr. John Schinnerer is one of a growing number of psychologists who prefer to practice under the rubric of “coaching,” and he describes how he made that transition.

Educational Objectives:

* This course will teach psychotherapists to Apply insights of positive psychology to their work.
* Critique the research findings/claims of positive psychology.
* Define relevant terms, e.g., positive psychology, happiness, resilience, mindfulness, and so on.
* Cite relevant research literature to justify applying positive psychology principles to their practice.
* Construct their own approach to implementing principles of positive psychology to their practice.

Course Syllabus:

* Discovering Positive Psychology
o History of Positive Psychology
o Philosophical underpinnings of Positive Psychology
o Developing the first Positive Psychology graduate program
* Clinical Applications of Positive Psychology
o Integrating CBT with Positive Psychology
o Case examples of Positive Psychology therapy
o Therapeutic exercise drawn from Positive Psychology
* From 60 Minutes Producer to Positive Psychologist
o The three pillars of positive psychology
o Commonalities between documentary film making and practice of positive psychology
o Taking clients beyond symptom relief to optimal fulfillment
* Buddhist Happiness
o Mindfulness meditation as a therapeutic intervention
o The long-term benefits of clients developing warm relationships
o Developing compassion as a component of mental health
* The Happiness Hypothesis
o Interplay of cognition and emotion in Positive Psychology
o Exploration of “Wisdom Traditions” hits and misses
o Why meditation is easier than medication
* What Happy Women Know
o The disconnect between worldly success and happiness
o Combating happiness trap of perfectionism
o Dealing with female revenge fantasies
* Happiness, Kindness and Health
o Emotional intelligence and happiness
o Role of vagus nervous system and oxytocin in trust
o Health and longevity correlates of happiness
o Evidence from Darwin supporting that we are wired for happiness
* Positive Psychology Coaching and Psychotherapy
o Importance of developing “inward looking” in clients
o Interplay of positive and negative emotions
o Mastering the negative emotions of the “lizard brain”

For more information on the series, check out the Zur Institute at http://www.zurinstitute.com/positivepsychologycourse.html.

If you are interested in contacting Dr. John Schinnerer for keynote speaking engagements, visit the website for contact info at http://www.guidetoself.com.

Keep on smiling!

John Schinnerer, Ph.D.

Guide To Self, Inc.

San Francisco Bay Area

National speaker

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